![Members of The Management Association with their winning trophy.]( "cookoff1")
FROM LEFT: Amanda Schoolcraft, Quintin Stevenson, Jill Fredo, Susan Sireno and Mel Bousley, all students of the Management Association, win first place for their chili for the eighth time in ten years. Photo by Eugene Bernard: The Signal.
Eugene Bernard
The Signal
What began as a somewhat gloomy day in terms of weather, ended up being a sunny, fun-filled day at UHCL’s 22nd Annual Chili Cook-off, held April 2 on the SSCB lawn between Liberty Park and the North Office Annex.
“The Chili Cook-off serves as a way to provide family-friendly activities, camaraderie and community between UHCL and surrounding areas,” said Allison Scahill, coordinator of student life activities & student organizations.
![Jennifer Clark sings at the Chili Cook-off.]( "cookoff2")
Jennifer Clark, assistant director of Student Life, sings karoke at the cook-off. Photo by Eugene Bernard: The Signal.
The Chili Cook-off is sponsored by the Office of Student Life and is one of UHCL’s ongoing traditions; it is open to faculty, staff, alumni and community members.
The air was filled with music, laughter and the delightful aroma of chili as children jumped tirelessly in the moonwalks, played games and climbed the gigantic rock-climbing display. Others graced the stage, singing karaoke to their favorite songs, regardless if they knew the correct lyrics or not.
In addition to moonwalks, rock climbing and karaoke, this year’s activities included chili tasting and judging, an ironman obstacle course, a dunking booth and face painting. In contrast to past chili cook-offs, this year, not only were teams judged by the unique flare of their chili, they were also judged on their karaoke performance as well.
The event was free and open to the public; however, there were refreshments and other edibles for sale. Students paid $4 with their ID, all others paid $5, to participate in the popular votes tasting segment.
There were 18 Chili Cook-off teams this year. The Management Association took home the first place trophy for best chili in the judging competition for the eighth out of the ten times. TMA also took the Student Government Association award for overall best student organization this year.
The winners received first, second and third place trophies in the judged chili competition, which was based on five areas: taste, consistency, spice, aroma and color on a scale from one to 10.
A second place trophy was given to the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society student chapter, and a third place trophy was given to the Society of Industrial Hygiene and Safety Professionals team.
The popular votes were determined by the cook-off attendees, and the spirit award was given to the most spirited booth, which was judged on the following criteria: theme, decorations and attitude.
The popular votes went to The National Society of Leadership and Success’s “Running Wild with Bacon Wrapped Duck” for the Cook’s Choice Award. School of Education Advising won best booth for their Harry Potter theme and SIHSP won best chili in the popular votes.
“We are so excited to win again!” said Jill Fredo, president of the management association. “We were kind of nervous because we weren’t sure with all these other organizations, but we dominated once again. Our recipe is awesome and we continue to use it every year; we have no changes.”
“There are no pre-made mixes, we mix everything ourselves,” Fredo said, who revealed TMA’s secret to success in the Chili Cook-off.
Everyone was warmly welcomed and the teams portrayed true sportsmanship by creating an inviting, exciting and fun-filled atmosphere for everyone, including new participants like the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society student chapter.
“This was the first time HFES competed in the Chili Cook-off, and this is only the second year we have been a student organization here at UHCL,” said Jo Jardina, applied cognitive psychology major. “From what I’ve heard, everyone had a great time, and those who will be around are looking forward to the cook-off next year.”
The Chili Cook-off is a competition; however, it is a friendly competition. As for the 23rd Annual Chili Cook-off, TMA said, “Bring your A-game because we are bringing ours.”
![Women's Studies Student Association members at the Chili Cook-off.]( "cookoff4")
The Women’s Studies Student Association members flex their muscles aka “Rosie the Riviter,” in front of their booth at the 22nd Annual Chili Cook-off. Photo by Eugene Bernard: The Signal.
The award is listed in paragraph 11: “School of Education Advising won best booth for their Harry Potter theme and SIHSP won best chili in the popular votes.”
The SIHSP won the popular vote for best chili and you did not include that fact in the artical. I know that we are not the largest group, but I think that it is note worthy that the attendies of the cook-off thought that our chili was best